Classroom environment required for meeting the information needs of students with hearing impairment in Nigerian universities

ABSTRACT

This study examined classroom environment required for meeting the information needs of students with hearing impairment. It employed descriptive design. A total of 165 respondents participated in the study. Three objectives guided the study. Questionnaires and focus group discussion were used for data gathering. Findings identified sign language interpreters, note takers, overhead projectors, telecommunication device for the deaf and hearing aid-compatible sound systems as very highly needed resources in an inclusive university classroom. It was recommended amongst others that lecturers and librarians should endeavour to acquire sign language skill. The study concluded that efficient teaching strategies and resources are important in meeting the information needs of students with hearing impairment.

KEYWORDS:

• Hearing impairment
• classroom resources
• instruction methods
• classroom environment
• federal universities

Acknowledgements

This research could not have been possible without the immense contribution of Prof. V. W. Dike who painstakingly proofread this study despite her tight schedule and whose encouragement cannot be quantified. We are equally grateful to Dr S.C. Ukwuoma, Dr V.N. Okafor, Prof. K.O. Usman, Prof. F.A. Okwor and Prof. B.G. Nworgu who validated the research instruments. We also recognise the contribution of our research assistants, Mr Evan Nosa, University of Ibadan, Mr Ameho Joseph, University of Ilorin, Dr Kwayal and Mrs F. Kwaja, University of Ibadan and Mrs Eucharia Ukwueze, University of Calabar. The researchers also appreciate the effort of Mr Chiedu Eseadi in providing critical comments regarding this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Liziana N. Onuigbo is a lecturer at Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her major research interest is in the area of education of children with special needs, especially students with visual impairment. She holds MEd and PhD from University of Nigeria. Nnenna has more than 40 publications to her credit. She is married with children.

Mrs Ngozi E. Osadebe is a Librarian at Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) in Library and Information Science and a Master of Business Administration in Management. Her major research interest is in the area of library services to disadvantaged population. Ngozi can be reached at [email protected]

Nancy E. Achebe is a Professor of Library and Information Science and the Head of Department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She possess Bachelor of Education (BEd), Master of Education (MEd), Master in Library and Information Science (MLS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degrees. She can be reached at nancy.achebe @unn.edu.ng

ORCID

Ngozi Eunice Osadebe http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6512-5758